Lara Schenk

Professional Footballer at FC Carl Zeiss Jena | Harvard College ’22

Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany

About

I’m a professional footballer using sport as a platform to advance gender equality, inclusion, and global development. My experience as a footballer of over two decades have exposed me to structural inequalities in sport. Through work with the European Parliament and the United Nations Population Fund, I developed an interest in how policy institutions address gender equity and social inclusion. I aim to work at the intersection of sport, equality policy, and international development. My background in psychology and global health gives me a global perspective on performance, inclusion, and policy. I’m especially interested in subalternate approaches at the intersection of sport, policymaking, and social change. I believe leadership starts with action — on and off the field. Always open to connecting with people working in sport, policy, and social impact. Email: [email protected]

Experience

  • Professional Soccer Player at FC Carl Zeiss Jena
    Jan 2026 - Present · 7 mos

  • Ambassador at Athlete Ally
    Feb 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

    • Help to end homophobia and transphobia in sports by leading my team and communities to champion LGBTQI+ equality • Speak out against potential legislation and policies that discriminate against LGBTQI+ people, sign open letters, and amplify Athlete Ally's messages on social media

  • Ambassador at DivineTime Agency
    Mar 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 5 mos

  • Professional Soccer Player at Roses de Montréal
    Apr 2025 - Dec 2025 · 9 mos

  • Professional Soccer Player at Sporting Club de Huelva
    Aug 2024 - Apr 2025 · 9 mos